Parish Organization

The PPC is a consultative body which prayerfully listens to and addresses the needs, ideas and hopes of the Parish Family to achieve a vibrant and active Catholic Faith Community reflecting Christ's teaching and values.

The purpose of the PPC is to exercise shared responsibility for the pastoral life of the parish. The council is to prayerfully engage the members of the parish community and staff in common reflection and dialogue about the parish mission in light of the Gospel and Church teachings.

The PPC exercises leadership in the following five basic areas of responsibility:

The PPC meets the second Monday of the month at 7PM. Additional meetings will be held by the PPC or its sub-committees as necessary. It is vital to the success of the PPC for its members to attend all scheduled meetings. Volunteers are encouraged and always welcomed to service through the council and its commissions.

Education (pre-school, elementary and high school and adult religious needs)

I converted to Catholicism in 1960 -- it seems that I was led to have more of a commitment to my God, the Church, and my community. I have lived in Iowa, Indiana and now Northbrook, Illinois for 35 years. For many years I was a member of St. Philip the Apostle in Northfield.

Through the years I have been active in my local parishes in Altar and Rosary Society, taught 3rd grade religious education and later spent good time interacting with and teaching high school sophomores.

In 1994 I married Charlie Caufield and we moved into Mission Hills and registered at Our Lady of the Brook parish. Since being at OLB, I have been active as a member of the Liturgy Committee for a number of years and am an Extraordinary Minister. In 2000 I decided I needed to enhance my spiritual/prayer life so I became a Minister of Care taking OLB's caring love and communion to the homebound. I receive so much more out of this mission than I ever expected. In 2005 I began teaming with my husband as a Lector at the 5pm mass.

I retired as Advertising Manager for Illinois Tool Works' largest division and enjoy my free time to read, crochet, garden, enjoy our combined 6 children and 7 grandchildren. We travel to visit them in Cape Cod, El Paso, Albuquerque, Carbondale, Chicago and Algonquin which keeps us busy. I am active in 12 step work and recently adopted a Hurricane Katrina dog.

Why did I want to serve on the Parish Council? I feel that the last 18-24 months have been very painful for our parish, I want to do my best to assist in its healing. In other words, I feel that as an OLB member, I have an obligation to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. With honest dialogue and sincere hearts, I believe we can do it!!!

Mary Lou Colfer

I have been a member of OLB since 1985....previously a member of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in River Forest for 31 years. I married Don Colfer at St. Vincent Ferrer on June 15, 1957 and raised 4 children there.

We were Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers and have continued in that capacity at OLB. I also served on the Liturgy and Environment committees at OLB in the past and assisted in Religious Education classrooms.

In addition to our 4 children we have 10 terrific grandchildren, most of whom live nearby and have participated in various activities at OLB.

I felt the Parish Council was an important part of the life of OLB and a source of healing and a way of practicing the Christian virtues. I also wanted to see OLB become a place where ALL are truly welcome, not just those we pick and choose!

Sal Manso

(Chariperson)

I am currently in my second year of my 3 year term on the Parish Pastoral Council. I have served before on the council when Fr Rich was Pastor. I am presently a Eurcharistic Minisiter

My wife, Mary Beth and I have been members of OLB since we moved to Northbrook some 10 years ago. We have 4 children. Joey who attends DePaul University, Kelly a junior at GBN and twins Sean & Ryan who are in 8^th grade at Wood Oaks.

My Parents Joseph and Mary Manso are also members of the parish who have just celebrated 65 years of marriage

I work for REEBIE Moving and Storage, agent of Allied Van Lines in Franklin Park Il where I am the President and I have been with the company 36 years

I joined the PPC because I’am interested in making OLB the best that it can be. OLB has been great to me and my family and I want to give something back. The Church is all of us ,not only our financial support but our spiritual and Time as well as our Talent.

I’ve been a parishioner at OLB since 1989, when my husband Bill and I moved our family here from Long Island. Since then, I’ve been active in the Women’s Club, from stuffing envelopes for a church mailing as a guild member, to serving as the Club’s President, with lots in between. I’ve also taught in the Christian Education Program during the time my sons were enrolled. I’ve been serving as a Eucharistic Minister at the 9:30 Mass for about fifteen years. However, what I most enjoy is “freelancing” around OLB, bouncing from project to project, such as welcoming new parishioners or planning activities that bring small groups of parishioners and food together, or spearheading parish wide events such as the past performance of Late Nite Catechism or recruiting the callers for the parish’s Millennium Campaign in 2000.

Why did I join PPC? Easy answer! Fr. Tom asked me. I know, through the church work I’ve done and the volunteers I’ve had to recruit to get that work done, how important it is to say YES.

My family and I are blessed to have two church homes. My husband Bill is active at St. Giles’ Episcopal Church, and our family moves freely between both faith communities. It was OLB’s welcoming spirit and the warmth of Fr. Herne and Fr. Sztorc to our two faith family that drew us to OLB and kept us coming back. With OLB’s history of openness, it is not surprising that the parish roster consists of such a high percentage of interfaith families.

Bill is a mechanical engineer, and I’m the librarian at Field Middle School in Northbrook. We have two sons…Matt graduated from St Norbert College in DePere and works for Met Life, and Andrew is a junior at Western Illinois University. We have a backyard filled with sailboats – three to be exact, and all four of us enjoy competing in local and national regattas.

I see each of you at church, or around town running errands, or working out at the YMCA, or at my school picking up your children. When our paths cross, I hope you will stop me and let me know what you’d like to see at OLB. I want to be your voice on the PPC and work to make your wish happen. OLB has been an important presence in Northbrook and we need to work hard to keep it that way.

I was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana and was the 5th of 8 children. My husband, Ron, and I joined Our Lady of the Brook in 1975. We were blessed with two daughters who were baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of the Brook. Jill is 31, married to Brian Groark, and lives in Erie, Colorado. Maryanna is 29 and will be married in July 2007.

When Ron and I joined Our Lady of the Brook, we were introduced to Father Herne, the pastor. After we were introduced, Father Herne Immediately told me that I was to be on the liturgy committee and to show up the next evening for a 7:30 pm meeting. This is how I became involved at the parish. Since that time, I have worked in the religious education program for over 20 years, initiated a Welcome Home program, founded the social action program and have written prayers and handbooks for the parish.

I have been a member of Our Lady of the Brook since I moved to Northbrook from Evanston, IL (St. Athanasius parish) in 1974. I have baptized four wonderful children here, all of whom participated in the religious education program from kindergarten through confirmation. Most of those years, I taught in the program.

Like many OLB parishioners, I was born into the Catholic faith, I was educated in Catholic schools (St. Athanasius grammar school, Regina Dominican High School, and St. Mary’s of Notre Dame College), and I married a non-Catholic (who actively supports OLB, but keeps me from becoming passive in my acceptance of the Catholic Church).

I am currently a Eucharistic Minister and a Lector. I consider both a privilege. I asked to join the PPC because I am concerned that our parish remain vital, and I feel I share the responsibility to assure its vitality.

Education (pre-school, elementary and high school and adult religious needs)



Parish Organization Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) The PPC is a consultative body which prayerfully listens to and addresses the needs, ideas and hopes of the Parish Family to achieve a vibrant and active Catholic Faith Community reflecting Christ's teaching and values. The purpose of the PPC is to exercise shared responsibility for the pastoral life of the parish. The council is to prayerfully engage the members of the parish community and staff in common reflection and dialogue about the parish mission in light of the Gospel and Church teachings. The PPC exercises leadership in the following five basic areas of responsibility: To research the needs, ideas and hopes of the faith community. To evaluate the quality of life of the parish faith community. To encourage and support existing ministries. To plan for the parish's future by developing programs and procedures which will implement its values and fulfill its mission. To train new PPC members. The PPC meets the second Monday of the month at 7PM. Additional meetings will be held by the PPC or its sub-committees as necessary. It is vital to the success of the PPC for its members to attend all scheduled meetings. Volunteers are encouraged and always welcomed to service through the council and its commissions. Commissions (4) Human Concerns (organization that helps those with special needs) Ministries Ministry of Care Ministry of Bereavement Social Action Committee Spiritual Life (liturgy and spiritual growth) Ministries Spiritual Development Sacramental Programs Liturgy Education (pre-school, elementary and high school and adult religious needs) Ministries Christian Education Program (CEP) Adult Education Community Life (parish organizations) Ministries Women's Club Bowling Fifty Plus Club Bridge Sunday Nursery Welcome Committee Women's Golf Simbang Gabi Men's Golf Spring and Fall Golf Scrambles Other Special Parish Events St. Joseph Table Summer Outdoor Mass and Picnic Meet Your Parish Pastoral Council Father Thomas A. Moran Pastor, OLB Wayne Bubak My wife, Mary Frances and I have been members of Our Lady of the Brook for 23 years. We have three children who have gone through the religious education program at OLB. I have taught in the religious education program for three years with my wife teaching for 18 years. I attended Catholic schools for my education - St. Sylvester Grammer School, DePaul Academy with my undergraduate and graduate schooling at DePaul University majoring in finance and management. My wife also attended Catholic schools - St. Andrews, The Immaculata with undergraduate and graduate schooling at Loyola University. Mary Frances has been a teacher for 28 years. I am a retired Federal Law Enforcement Agent and currently represent individuals with ongoing investigations. I wanted to serve on the Parish Council because of the turmoil over the last two years and a hope to assist in stabilizing our great parish. Valerie R. Catenacci Roland and I have been married for fifty three years and have five adult children and three grandchildren. We have lived in Glenview for the past 10 years, and have been members of O.L.B. for 9 years I have served as the Worship Coordinator at St, Thomas Moore Parish in Troy, Michigan which included responsibility for the overall functions of the parish liturgical ministries. . My Bachelor of Arts degree is from DePaul University - Chicago in 1989 I received my Masters in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University - Chicago in 1992 I am certified in Spiritual Direction through a Jesuit Program at Colombiere Retreat Center, Clarkston, MI For three years, I was the Director of a Spiritual Retreat House in Howell, Michigan developing and running the programs. In that capacity, I also directed retreat days and gave talks on spiritual topics. My hope is to be of service to OLB as a member of the Parish Council in the Spiritual Life Commission concentrating on developing the various ministries. Maureen Caufield I converted to Catholicism in 1960 -- it seems that I was led to have more of a commitment to my God, the Church, and my community. I have lived in Iowa, Indiana and now Northbrook, Illinois for 35 years. For many years I was a member of St. Philip the Apostle in Northfield. Through the years I have been active in my local parishes in Altar and Rosary Society, taught 3rd grade religious education and later spent good time interacting with and teaching high school sophomores. In 1994 I married Charlie Caufield and we moved into Mission Hills and registered at Our Lady of the Brook parish. Since being at OLB, I have been active as a member of the Liturgy Committee for a number of years and am an Extraordinary Minister. In 2000 I decided I needed to enhance my spiritual/prayer life so I became a Minister of Care taking OLB's caring love and communion to the homebound. I receive so much more out of this mission than I ever expected. In 2005 I began teaming with my husband as a Lector at the 5pm mass. I retired as Advertising Manager for Illinois Tool Works' largest division and enjoy my free time to read, crochet, garden, enjoy our combined 6 children and 7 grandchildren. We travel to visit them in Cape Cod, El Paso, Albuquerque, Carbondale, Chicago and Algonquin which keeps us busy. I am active in 12 step work and recently adopted a Hurricane Katrina dog. Why did I want to serve on the Parish Council? I feel that the last 18-24 months have been very painful for our parish, I want to do my best to assist in its healing. In other words, I feel that as an OLB member, I have an obligation to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. With honest dialogue and sincere hearts, I believe we can do it!!! Mary Lou Colfer I have been a member of OLB since 1985....previously a member of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in River Forest for 31 years. I married Don Colfer at St. Vincent Ferrer on June 15, 1957 and raised 4 children there. We were Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers and have continued in that capacity at OLB. I also served on the Liturgy and Environment committees at OLB in the past and assisted in Religious Education classrooms. I am a product of 16 years of Catholic School education, graduating from St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, In. in 1957. In addition to our 4 children we have 10 terrific grandchildren, most of whom live nearby and have participated in various activities at OLB. I felt the Parish Council was an important part of the life of OLB and a source of healing and a way of practicing the Christian virtues. I also wanted to see OLB become a place where ALL are truly welcome, not just those we pick and choose! Sal Manso (Chariperson) I am currently in my second year of my 3 year term on the Parish Pastoral Council. I have served before on the council when Fr Rich was Pastor. I am presently a Eurcharistic Minisiter My wife, Mary Beth and I have been members of OLB since we moved to Northbrook some 10 years ago. We have 4 children. Joey who attends DePaul University, Kelly a junior at GBN and twins Sean & Ryan who are in 8^th grade at Wood Oaks. My Parents Joseph and Mary Manso are also members of the parish who have just celebrated 65 years of marriage I work for REEBIE Moving and Storage, agent of Allied Van Lines in Franklin Park Il where I am the President and I have been with the company 36 years I joined the PPC because I’am interested in making OLB the best that it can be. OLB has been great to me and my family and I want to give something back. The Church is all of us ,not only our financial support but our spiritual and Time as well as our Talent. Barbara Perley I’ve been a parishioner at OLB since 1989, when my husband Bill and I moved our family here from Long Island. Since then, I’ve been active in the Women’s Club, from stuffing envelopes for a church mailing as a guild member, to serving as the Club’s President, with lots in between. I’ve also taught in the Christian Education Program during the time my sons were enrolled. I’ve been serving as a Eucharistic Minister at the 9:30 Mass for about fifteen years. However, what I most enjoy is “freelancing” around OLB, bouncing from project to project, such as welcoming new parishioners or planning activities that bring small groups of parishioners and food together, or spearheading parish wide events such as the past performance of Late Nite Catechism or recruiting the callers for the parish’s Millennium Campaign in 2000. Why did I join PPC? Easy answer! Fr. Tom asked me. I know, through the church work I’ve done and the volunteers I’ve had to recruit to get that work done, how important it is to say YES. My family and I are blessed to have two church homes. My husband Bill is active at St. Giles’ Episcopal Church, and our family moves freely between both faith communities. It was OLB’s welcoming spirit and the warmth of Fr. Herne and Fr. Sztorc to our two faith family that drew us to OLB and kept us coming back. With OLB’s history of openness, it is not surprising that the parish roster consists of such a high percentage of interfaith families. Bill is a mechanical engineer, and I’m the librarian at Field Middle School in Northbrook. We have two sons…Matt graduated from St Norbert College in DePere and works for Met Life, and Andrew is a junior at Western Illinois University. We have a backyard filled with sailboats – three to be exact, and all four of us enjoy competing in local and national regattas. I see each of you at church, or around town running errands, or working out at the YMCA, or at my school picking up your children. When our paths cross, I hope you will stop me and let me know what you’d like to see at OLB. I want to be your voice on the PPC and work to make your wish happen. OLB has been an important presence in Northbrook and we need to work hard to keep it that way. Susan Vaickauski I was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana and was the 5th of 8 children. My husband, Ron, and I joined Our Lady of the Brook in 1975. We were blessed with two daughters who were baptized and confirmed at Our Lady of the Brook. Jill is 31, married to Brian Groark, and lives in Erie, Colorado. Maryanna is 29 and will be married in July 2007. When Ron and I joined Our Lady of the Brook, we were introduced to Father Herne, the pastor. After we were introduced, Father Herne Immediately told me that I was to be on the liturgy committee and to show up the next evening for a 7:30 pm meeting. This is how I became involved at the parish. Since that time, I have worked in the religious education program for over 20 years, initiated a Welcome Home program, founded the social action program and have written prayers and handbooks for the parish. In 2005 I joined the Parish Council. My term will end in May of 2007. JAN LEIBOLD ZORN I have been a member of Our Lady of the Brook since I moved to Northbrook from Evanston, IL (St. Athanasius parish) in 1974. I have baptized four wonderful children here, all of whom participated in the religious education program from kindergarten through confirmation. Most of those years, I taught in the program. Like many OLB parishioners, I was born into the Catholic faith, I was educated in Catholic schools (St. Athanasius grammar school, Regina Dominican High School, and St. Mary’s of Notre Dame College), and I married a non-Catholic (who actively supports OLB, but keeps me from becoming passive in my acceptance of the Catholic Church). I am currently a Eucharistic Minister and a Lector. I consider both a privilege. I asked to join the PPC because I am concerned that our parish remain vital, and I feel I share the responsibility to assure its vitality. Commissions (4) Human Concerns (organization that helps those with special needs) Ministries Ministry of Care Ministry of Bereavement Social Action Committee Spiritual Life (liturgy and spiritual growth) Ministries Spiritual Development Sacramental Programs Liturgy Education (pre-school, elementary and high school and adult religious needs) Ministries Christian Education Program (CEP) Adult Education Community Life (parish organizations) Ministries Women's Club Bowling Fifty Plus Club Bridge Sunday Nursery Welcome Committee Women's Golf Simbang Gabi Men's Golf Spring and Fall Golf Scrambles Other Special Parish Events St. Joseph Table Summer Outdoor Mass and Picnic	Visit Brookfaith, our Religious Education blog Faith Formation and Religious Education Announcements Parish Activities Staff/Contact Us Links to other Sites Liturgical Ministries Ministry of Care Ministry of Music Parish Organizations Outside The Parish Sacraments Youth Ministry